Leaders Queen of the South's seven-match winning run came to an end after a 0-0 draw with second-placed Alloa in a bruising encounter at Palmerston.
It was only the second time that Allan Johnston's side had dropped points at home but it ensured they maintained their 16-point lead.
Both sides had good sights of goal in the opening period. Ben Gordon headed over following a corner for Alloa while Nicholas Clark and Ryan McGuffie went close with headers for the home side. Carmichael also shot past when a square pass would have been more fruitful.
Daryll Meggatt was denied a spectacular goal in the second half as Lee Robinson parried away his 30-yard drive.
Christopher Mitchell tested Scott Bain in the Alloa goal from a free-kick just outside the area and the Doonhamers had an effort cleared off the line but neither side was able to grab a decisive goal
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